Prostaglandin E1 in infants with pulmonary atresia.
Sleutelwoorden
Abstract
Infants with pulmonary atresia are frequently dependent upon the patency of the ductus arteriosus for adequate pulmonary blood flow. Endogenous production of a dilator prostaglandin probably maintains patency of the ductus in utero. Infusion of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) 0,1 microgram/kg/min was used in 6 infants with pulmonary atresia to increase pulmonary blood flow and systemic oxygenation. The infusion improved the clinical condition of the infants and diminished the degree of central cyanosis. In 3 cases serial measurement of systemic arterial oxygen tension showed a sustained increase. There were no deleterious side-effects. During cardiac catheterization and preparation for operation, PGE1 provides a valuable means of maintaining pulmonary blood flow in infants with pulmonary atresia and a ductus arteriosus.